Exercise methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a back rest mounted on the frame; and a foot platform mounted on the frame. At least one of the foot platform and the back rest is movably mounted on the frame in such a manner that a person may rest his back against the back rest and exercise his quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. A resistance device is preferably provided to resist an increase in distance between the user&#39;s hips and the user&#39;s feet due to straightening of the user&#39;s legs at the knees.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/634,154, filed on Aug. 4, 2003, which in turn, is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/917,006, filed on Jul. 27, 2001 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,605,024).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus forexercising a person's quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chainfashion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The quadriceps muscles constitute one of the human body's majormuscle groups, and these muscles are primarily responsible for moving aperson's legs from a bent knee position to a straight leg position.Exercise machines have been built for the specific purpose of resistingthis particular motion and thereby strengthening and/or toning thequadriceps muscles.

[0004] A conventional quadriceps exercise machine, known in the fitnessindustry as a leg extension machine, is shown in FIGS. 6-7. The priorart leg extension machine 90 generally includes a frame 91, a seat 92rigidly mounted on the frame 91, a pivot arm 93 pivotally mounted on theframe 91, and a weight stack resistance device 97 operatively connectedto the pivot arm 93. The resistance device 97 includes a variable amountof weight 98 that is connected to the pivot arm 93 by means of a cable99. The components are preferably arranged so that a user's knee isaxially aligned with the pivot axis of the pivot arm 93, and a pad 94 ismounted on an opposite, distal end of the pivot arm 93 to bear againstthe user's shin. Counter-clockwise rotation of the pad 94, caused bystraightening of the user's leg at the knee (but not the hip), isresisted by gravity acting upon the weight 98.

[0005] The leg extension machine 90 has been a staple item in fitnessclubs for decades. Typically, it is provided as part of a circuit of adozen or so machines, each of which is dedicated to a single exerciseand/or a particular muscle group. In this regard, the leg extensionmachine 90 is provided for isolated exercise of a person's quadricepsmuscles. Generally speaking, the theory behind these circuits is thateach machine allows a person to focus on a specific muscle group orexercise movement, and several people can use alternative machines inparallel. In another familiar arrangement suitable for circuit training,a similar leg extension arrangement is supported by a relatively largerframe that also supports several other types of exercise mechanisms(sometimes referred to as a universal gym).

[0006] Unfortunately, recent medical opinions are suggesting thatconventional leg extension machines (and mechanisms) may cause painand/or damage to a person's knees. One possible explanation is that theconventional leg extension exercise involves an “open chain”arrangement, wherein the person's lower leg is loaded in cantileveredfashion. Generally speaking, this sort of exercise tends to imposesignificant shearing force on a person's joint (in this case, the knee).On the other hand, a “closed chain” exercise involves stabilization ofthe distal ends of any limbs being exercised, thereby contributing tojoint stability and coordinated interaction of the associated bodycomponents.

[0007] One type of conventional “closed chain” exercise machine, knownin the fitness industry as a leg press machine, is shown in FIGS. 8-9.Like the leg extension machine 90, the leg press machine 80 has alsobeen a staple item in fitness clubs for decades, and is similarlyprovided as part of a circuit of machines and on universal gym units.The prior art leg press machine 80 generally includes a frame 81, a seat82 slidably mounted on the frame 81, a foot platform 83 mounted on theframe 81 in front of the seat 82, and a weight stack resistance device87 operatively connected to the seat 82. The resistance device 87includes a variable amount of weight 88 that is connected to the seat 82by means of a cable 89. Movement of the seat 82 away from the footplatform 83, caused by extension of the user's legs at both the hipjoints and the knee joints, is resisted by gravity acting upon theweight 88. Another common type of leg press machine (not shown) has afixed seat and a pivoting foot support. Movement of the pedals away fromthe seat is similarly caused by extension of the user's leg at both theknees and the hips.

[0008] Although conventional leg press machines facilitate closed chainexercise of a person's quadriceps muscles, a significant amount of theuser exerted force is generated by a person's gluteus muscles (due toextension of the user's legs at the hips, as well as the knees). As aresult, conventional leg press machines are ineffective for isolatedexercise of a person's quadriceps muscles. In other words, a need existsfor an exercise apparatus that facilitates isolated, closed chainexercise of a person's quadriceps muscles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides methods and apparatus forexercising a person's quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chainfashion. The present invention may be implemented in various ways and/ordescribed with reference to various embodiments. A preferred embodimentincludes a frame designed to rest on a floor surface; a body supportthat is mounted on the frame and includes at least a back rest; and afoot platform that is mounted on the frame in front of the body support.The body support and the foot platform are configured and arranged tosupport a person in a rest position with his back against the back rest,his thighs extending generally perpendicular to his torso, his legs bentat the knees, and his feet flat against the foot platform. At least oneof the body support and the foot platform is pivotally mounted on theframe in a manner that maintains an orthogonal angle between theperson's thighs and torso as the person straightens his legs at theknees while pressing his feet against the foot platform. Also, aresistance device resists straightening of the person's legs at theknees by resisting relative rotation between the back rest and the footplatform. As a result, the preferred embodiment isolates the user'squadriceps muscles in a closed chain arrangement. Many features and/oradvantages of the present invention will become apparent from the moredetailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE OF THE DRAWING

[0010] With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein likenumerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the severalviews,

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment exercisemachine constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1, showing auser in a start position;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0014]FIG. 4a is a side view of an alternative embodiment exercisemachine constructed according to the principles of the presentinvention, showing a user in a start position;

[0015]FIG. 4b is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 4a, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0016]FIG. 5a is an enlarged and fragmented side view of an optionalarrangement suitable for use on the exercise machine of FIG. 1 forpurposes of latching the body support relative to the frame and/orlimiting forward pivoting of the body support relative to the frame,showing the body support latched to the frame;

[0017]FIG. 5b is an enlarged and fragmented side view of the optionalarrangement of FIG. 5a, showing a limit imposed on forward pivoting ofthe body support;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a side view of a prior art leg extension machine,showing a user in a start position;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a side view of the prior art leg extension machine ofFIG. 6, showing the user's legs in an extended position;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a side view of a prior art leg press machine, showing auser shown in a start position;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a side view of the prior art leg press machine of FIG.8, showing the user's legs in an extended position;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a side view of another exercise machine constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention, showing a user ina start position;

[0023]FIG. 11 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 10, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a side view of another exercise machine constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention, showing a user ina start position;

[0025]FIG. 13 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 12, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0026]FIG. 14 is a side view of another exercise machine constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention, showing a user ina start position;

[0027]FIG. 15 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 14, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0028]FIG. 16 is a side view of another exercise machine constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention, showing a user ina start position;

[0029]FIG. 17 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 16, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0030]FIG. 18 is a side view of yet another exercise machine constructedaccording to the principles of the present invention, showing a user ina start position;

[0031]FIG. 19 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 18, showingthe user's legs in an extended position;

[0032]FIG. 20 is a side view of still another exercise machineconstructed according to the principles of the present invention,showing a user in a start position; and

[0033]FIG. 21 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 20, showingthe user's legs in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] A first exercise apparatus constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention is designated as 100 in FIGS. 1-3.The exercise apparatus 100 generally includes a frame 110, a bodysupport 120 mounted on the frame 110, and a foot platform 130 mounted onthe frame 110. The frame 110 includes a base 111 designed to rest on theground or floor surface G. The base 111 has a front end, a rear end, andopposite sides. Rubber pads or feet may be secured to the bottom of thebase 111 to encourage the apparatus 100 to remain in a stationaryposition relative to the floor surface G and/or reduce the likelihood ofdamage to the floor surface G. The frame 110 also includes left andright stanchions 112 that extend vertically upward from opposite sidesof the base 111 proximate the rear end, and a forward stanchion 113 thatextends upward from the forward end of the base 111.

[0035] The body support 120 preferably includes both a seat 121 and aback rest 122 that are rigidly secured to one another (in the regiondesignated as J), and that define an angle of approximately one hundredand ten degrees therebetween. In this regard, the seat 121 and the backrest 122 may be described as approximately perpendicular to one another,with the understanding that approximately is being used in this contextto allow for a variance of twenty degrees more or less. Left and rightpivot arms 123, which may be opposite distal ends of a single U-shapedmember, are rigidly secured to the back rest 122 and extend forward fromopposite sides thereof. Forward distal ends of the pivot arms 123 arepivotally connected to upper distal ends of respective stanchions 112,thereby defining a common pivot axis X. In other words, the body support120 is disposed between the stanchions 112 and pivotally mounted on theframe 110 at the pivot axis X. Left and right handlebars 129, which maybe opposite ends of a single U-shaped member, are rigidly secured to thebody support 120, within reach of a person P resting on the body support120.

[0036] A bracket 124 is rigidly secured to the rear side of the backrest 122 and extends downward and rearward from the back rest 122. Oneor more weight plates 125 may be selectively mounted on the bracket 124by means known in the art. In this regard, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the depicted embodiment 100 may be described as a “plateloaded” type of exercise machine. Those skilled in the art will alsorecognize that the present invention may be implemented with other typesof known resistance means. For example, in place of the bracket 124 andweight plates 125, a cable could extend from the back rest 122(proximate the fixed end of the pivot arms 123), downward and about apulley, and then upward and about a pulley on a weight stack unit(similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-19, for example). Othersuitable resistance means may utilize frictional resistance, fluidresistance, resilient force resistance, and/or electromechanicalresistance, all of which are well known in the art and may be adaptedfor use with the subject invention.

[0037] The foot platform 130 may be described as a planar member orplate (or two adjacent co-planar plates) having a lower end connected tothe stanchion 113, and an upper distal end. The foot platform 130 ispreferably adjustable fore and aft relative to the frame 110 (and thebody support 120). For example, on the embodiment 100, the stanchion 113terminates in a horizontal distal portion that is provided withlaterally extending holes 114. A sleeve 133 is rigidly mounted on thelower end of the foot platform 130, and is slidably mounted on thehorizontal distal portion of the stanchion 113. A spring-biased “poppin” 134 or other suitable fastener is inserted through a hole in thesleeve 133 and any of several holes 114 in the stanchion 113 to securethe foot platform 130 in any of several available locations.

[0038] The orientation of the foot platform 130 relative to the frame110 is also preferably adjustable. For example, a bracket 135 is shownmounted on sleeve 133, and a lower end of the foot platform 130 is shownpivotally mounted on the bracket 135 for selective pivoting about pivotaxis Z. A trunnion 136 is rigidly mounted on the upper end of the footsupporting portion of the foot platform 130, on a side opposite theperson's feet F. An adjustable length, telescoping member 137 ispivotally interconnected between the bracket 135 and the trunnion 136. Aspring-biased “pop pin” 139 or other suitable fastener is insertedthrough a hole in the cylindrical portion of the telescoping member 137and through any of several holes 138 in the rod portion of thetelescoping member 137 to secure the foot platform 130 in any of severalpossible orientations relative to the frame 110. Those skilled in theart will recognize that other adjustment arrangements (e.g., a hole inthe foot platform bracket that aligns with any of severalcircumferentially spaced holes provided in a bracket at a common radiusfrom the pivot axis Z), and/or other actuation arrangements (e.g., alead screw or linear actuator) may be used to adjust the orientationand/or location of the foot platform.

[0039] Another option is to provide a foot platform that pivots duringexercise activity. Such a platform may be configured and arranged sothat the associated foot engaging surface faces toward the associatedpivot axis, thereby encouraging a self-centering effect. Yet anotheroption is to provide a linkage between a pivotal foot platform and apivotal body support in a manner that favorably links pivoting of same.In either case, a pivotal foot platform may be desired to maintain acomfortable angle between the person's feet and lower legs and/or toaccommodate at least some of the lower leg motion associated with theexercise activity.

[0040] A pivotal foot platform is shown in FIGS. 4a-4 b, and some otherpossible arrangements are described further below with reference toFIGS. 14-17. As suggested by the common reference numerals, theapparatus 100′ shown in FIGS. 4a-4 b is similar in many respects to theapparatus 100. In fact, the only significant difference is that adrawbar link 160 has been pivotally interconnected between one of thepivot arms 123′ (via extension 128) and a corresponding side of the footplatform 130′. As a result, the apparatus 100′ may be operated in morethan one mode. In a first mode of operation (not shown), the orientationof the foot platform 130′ is fixed, and the connector link 160 simplyslides relative to a sleeve 176 that is pivotally mounted on the footplatform 130′, and the apparatus 100′ operates in the same manner as theapparatus 100. As on the apparatus 100, provision is made for adjustingthe location and/or orientation of the foot platform 130′ relative tothe frame 110. In this case, a bracket 173 is rigidly mounted on thesleeve 133′, and the foot platform 130′ is pivotally mounted on thebracket 173. The bracket 173 is provided with several circumferentiallyspaced holes disposed at a common radius from the pivot axis of the footplatform 130′, and a fastener is inserted through one of these holes andan alignable hole in the foot platform 130′ to secure the foot platform130′ in a particular orientation relative to the frame 110.

[0041] In a second mode of operation (shown in FIGS. 4a-4 b), thefastener associated with the orientation of the foot platform 130′ isremoved, and the drawbar link 160 is pivotally coupled to the sleeve 176(preferably by means of the same, dual purpose fastener 139). As aresult, the body support 120′ and the foot platform 130′ are constrainedto pivot in opposite directions. The drawbar link 160 is preferablyprovided in the form of a selectively telescoping member that isadjustable in length to accommodate people of various sizes and/orvarious start positions. In this regard, a similar fastener 169 insertsthrough a hole in a cylinder portion of the drawbar link 160 and any ofseveral holes 168 in a rod portion of the drawbar link 160 toselectively establish the length of the drawbar link 160.

[0042] With reference back to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 100 is shown anddescribed with reference to the figure of a person P, who isrepresentative of a well-proportioned, six foot tall man. The person Pand the machine 100 are drawn to scale relative to one another tofacilitate understanding of the machine's dimensions and the geometricrelationships between man P and machine 100. In order to accommodate awide range of user needs and/or sizes, the machine 100 may be adjustedas discussed above and/or in additional ways (e.g., changing the pivotradius of the body support).

[0043]FIG. 2 shows the person P occupying a start or rest position onthe body support 120, with the back rest 122 facing forward and awayfrom the floor surface G at an angle of approximately fifty degrees fromhorizontal, and the foot platform 130 facing rearward and away from thefloor surface G at an angle of approximately forty degrees fromhorizontal. In this regard, the back rest 122 may be described asapproximately perpendicular to the foot platform 130, whereapproximately is intended to allow for a variance of twenty degrees moreor less, and/or as generally perpendicular to the foot platform 130,where generally is intended to allow for a variance of forty degreesmore or less (meaning closer to perpendicular than to parallel by atleast five degrees).

[0044] A stop may be mounted on the frame 110 to prevent forwardpivoting of the body support 120 beyond the position shown in FIG. 2,and/or a latch may be mounted on the frame 110 to selectively latch thebody support 120 in the position shown in FIG. 2. Relatively simpleexamples of each type of arrangement are shown in FIGS. 5a-5 b, with theunderstanding that other suitable arrangements may be used in thealternative. As shown in FIG. 5a, the latching arrangement isimplemented by inserting a bolt 119 or other suitable fastener through ahole 127 in a bracket 126 on the modified right pivot arm 123′ andthrough an aligned hole 117 in the modified right stanchion 112′. Asshown in FIG. 5b, the stopping arrangement is implemented by insertingthe bolt 119 through a relatively higher hole 118 in the modifiedstanchion 112′ and into the path of the right pivot arm 123′ at a pointin front of the right pivot arm 123′.

[0045] With reference back to FIG. 2, the person P is resting on thebody support 120 and grasping the handlebars 129 in his respectivehands. The person's torso T and head are aligned with and supported bythe back rest 122, and his upper legs U are extending approximatelyperpendicular to his torso T. The person's hips H are about eighteeninches from the pivot axis X, but this particular embodiment 100 iseffective with a range of radial distances between X and H. The person'slegs are bent at the knees K so that his lower legs L and his upper legsU cooperate to define an angle of approximately ninety degreestherebetween. The person's feet F are disposed forward of the seat 121and the soles of his feet F are pressed against the foot platform 130(thereby establishing a closed chain). The person's ankles A arerelaxed, and the person's feet F are extending approximatelyperpendicular to the person's lower legs L.

[0046] For ease of reference, operational characteristics of theapparatus 100 may be described with reference to line segments extendingfrom the person's hip joints H to his knee joints K (HK), and from theperson's knee joints K to his ankle joints A (KA), and from the person'sankle joints to his hip joints (AH). The HK distance is about eighteeninches, and the KA distance is about nineteen and one-half inches. TheAH distance is approximately twenty-four inches in FIG. 2, and isapproximately thirty-six and one-half inches in FIG. 3.

[0047]FIG. 3 shows the person P with his legs relatively straight at theknees K, and the body support 120 having pivoted rearward about thepivot axis X. In this extended position, the person's upper legs U andlower legs L cooperate to define an angle of approximately one hundredand seventy degrees therebetween, which corresponds to an eighty degreechange in the angle defined by the person's knees K. In order to reachthe position shown in FIG. 3, the body support 120 has pivoted throughan angle of approximately forty degrees, which is one-half the change inangle experienced by the person's knees K. The length of the arcuatepath traveled by the person's hips H is equal to (2*Π*18)* (40/360) orabout twelve and one-half inches (the difference between AH in FIG. 3and AH in FIG. 2).

[0048] The transition between the positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 mayalso be described in terms of both the body support 120 and the person'supper legs U pivoting forty degrees clockwise relative to the frame 110,and the person's lower legs L pivoting forty degrees counter-clockwiserelative to the frame 110. On the apparatus 100′ shown in FIGS. 4a-4 b,the body support 120′ pivots to accommodate the change in distancebetween the user's hips and ankles, and the foot platform 130′ pivots tomaintain an orthogonal angle between the user's feet and lower legs.Throughout the range of exercise motion on either machine 100 or 100′,the person's upper legs U remain orthogonal to the back rest 122 (as onthe prior art leg extension machine 90 shown in FIGS. 6-7). As a result,the force contribution from the person's gluteus muscles is essentiallyminimized, and the force contribution from the person's quadricepsmuscles is essentially maximized. Also, the exercise motion involves achain of body parts that is compressed between the back rest 122 and thefoot platform 130 (as on the prior art leg press machine 80 shown inFIGS. 8-9). In other words, the apparatus 100 facilitates isolated,closed chain exercise of the person's quadriceps muscles.

[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention is designated as 200in FIGS. 10-11. As suggested by the common last two digits of many ofthe reference numerals, the exercise machine 200 is similar in manyrespects to the exercise machine 100. In fact, the only significantdifference involves the manner in which the body support 220 is movablymounted on the frame 210. In this regard, on each side of the machine200, first and second links 251 and 252 are pivotally interconnectedbetween respective points on stanchion 212 and respective points on bodysupport 220. The associated pivot axes may be arranged to establish adesired relationship between movement of the body support 220 and changein the distance between the user's hips and ankles.

[0050] Like its counterpart on the first embodiment 100, the bodysupport 220 preferably includes both a seat 221 and a back rest 222 thatextend approximately perpendicular to one another. Also, left and righthandles 229 project outward from opposite sides of the body support 220,preferably at a location directly beneath the seat 221. A bracket 224extends downward and rearward from the back rest 222 to support aselectively variable amount of weight in the form of weight plates likethe one designated as 125. The stanchions 212 extend upward from a floorengaging base 211. A forward stanchion 213 also extends upward from thebase 211 to support a foot platform 230. The foot platform 230 isdepicted as fixed to the frame 210, but may be made adjustable and/ormovable in the same manner as its counterpart on the first embodiment100.

[0051] Another embodiment of the present invention is designated as 300in FIGS. 12-13. As suggested by the common last two digits of many ofthe reference numerals, the exercise machine 300 is similar in manyrespects to the exercise machines 100 and 200. In fact, the onlysignificant difference again involves the manner in which the bodysupport 320 is movably mounted on the frame 310. In this regard, on eachside of the machine 300, a first link 352 is pivotally interconnectedbetween stanchion 312 and an intermediate portion of bracket 323 on thebody support 320, and a second link 354 is pivotally interconnectedbetween base 311 and a forward distal end of bracket 323. Like on theprevious embodiment 200, the associated pivot axes may be arranged toestablish a desired relationship between movement of the body support320 and change in the distance between the user's hips and ankles.

[0052] Like its counterparts on the embodiments 100 and 200, the bodysupport 320 preferably includes both a seat 321 and a back rest 322 thatextend approximately perpendicular to one another. Also, left and righthandles 329 project outward from opposite sides of the body support 320,preferably at a location directly beneath the seat 321. A bracket 324extends downward and rearward from the back rest 322 to support avariable amount of weight in the form of weight plates like the onedesignated as 125. The stanchions 312 extend upward from a floorengaging base 311. A forward stanchion 313 also extends upward from thebase 311 to support a foot platform 330. The foot platform 330 isdepicted as fixed to the frame 310, but may likewise be made adjustableand/or movable.

[0053] Another embodiment of the present invention is designated as 400in FIGS. 14-15. The machine 400 includes a frame 410 having a base 411configured to rest upon a floor surface. On each side of the frame 410,a stanchion 412 extends upward from the base 411. Left and rightbrackets 423 are pivotally mounted on respective stanchions 412 andrigidly connected to respective sides of a body support 420. The bodysupport 420 preferably includes both a seat 421 and a back rest 422 thatextend approximately perpendicular to one another. The relativepositions of the seat 421 and the brackets 423 are such that the pivotaxis of the body support 420 approximately aligns with the hips of theperson P. Left and right handles 429 project outward from opposite sidesof the body support 420, preferably beneath the seat 421.

[0054] First and second vertical links 432 and 433 have lower ends thatare pivotally mounted on a forward end of the base 411 at respectivelocations. A horizontal link 431 has discrete forward portions that arepivotally connected to opposite, upper ends of respective links 432 and433, and a rearward distal end that is rigidly connected to a footplatform 430. The distance between the lower ends of the links 432 and433 is greater than the distance between the upper ends of the links 432and 433. As a result of this arrangement, the foot platform 430 rotatesin a first direction (counter-clockwise from FIG. 14 to FIG. 15) whilemoving in an opposite, second direction (clockwise from FIG. 14 to FIG.15) relative to the frame 410. The rest orientation of the foot platform430 may be made adjustable, if so desired.

[0055] A forward end of a first connector link 463 is rigidly connectedto a lower portion of the link 433. An opposite, rearward end of thefirst connector link 463 is pivotally connected to a forward end of asecond connector link 462. An opposite, rearward end of the secondconnector link 462 is pivotally connected to the right side bracket 423at a location approximately six inches above the pivot axis for the bodysupport 420. This connector arrangement is such that a pivot axisdefined at the juncture of the links 462 and 463 is disposed above aline drawn between the associated pivot axis on the bracket 423 and theassociated pivot axis on the base 411. As a result of this arrangement,the body support 420 and the foot platform 430 are constrained to rotatein opposite directions.

[0056] The components of the machine 400 may be arranged and configuredto establish a desired relationship between movement of the footplatform 430 and change in the distance between the user's hips andankles. On this embodiment 400, pivoting of the body support 420 doesnot significantly affect the distance between the user's hips and ankles(because the associated pivot axis is aligned with the user's hips).Like the other embodiments, the apparatus 400 also includes a means forresisting increased separation between the user's hips and ankles. Onthis embodiment 400, a weight stack arrangement is provided in lieu of aweight plate bracket, primarily to emphasize that the present inventionis not limited to any particular type of resistance arrangement. Morespecifically, a cable 489 has a first end that is connected to the footplatform 430, an intermediate portion that is routed about pulleys 490on the frame 410, and an opposite, second end that is connected to aselectively variable amount of weight 488 on a weight stack thatoperates in a manner known in the art.

[0057] Another embodiment of the present invention is designated as 500in FIGS. 16-17. As suggested by the common last two digits of many ofthe reference numerals, the exercise machine 500 is similar in manyrespects to the exercise machine 400. In fact, the only significantdifferences involve the manner in which the foot platform 530 is movablymounted on the frame 510 and linked to the body support 520 and theresistance device. In this regard, the foot platform 530 is rigidlymounted on the lower end of a pivot arm 536 that in turn, is pivotallymounted on the frame 510 at a pivot axis that is approximately at eyelevel of the person P.

[0058] A pulley 538 is rotatably mounted on an intermediate portion ofthe pivot arm 536, and an intermediate portion of a cable 589 is routedabout the pulley 538, as well as pulleys 590 on the frame 510. A firstend of the cable 589 is connected to the frame 510, and an opposite,second end of the cable 589 is connected to a selectively variableamount of weight 588 on a weight stack. As a result of this arrangement,the weight 588 moves at twice the rate of the pulley 538.

[0059] A connector link 560 has a forward end that is pivotallyconnected to an intermediate portion of the pivot arm 536, and arearward end that is pivotally connected to the body support 520, abouthalf-way up the back rest 522. As on the other embodiments discussedabove, a seat 521 preferably extends approximately perpendicularly awayfrom the lower end of the back rest 522, and handles 529 project outwardfrom opposite sides of the seat 521. As on the previous embodiment 400,the body support 520 and the foot platform 530 are constrained to rotatein opposite directions. Also, the body support 520 is pivotally mountedbetween left and right stanchions 512 that extend upward from oppositesides of the base 511, and the pivot axis for the body support 520 isapproximately aligned with the hips of the person P. Hence, movement ofthe body support 520 does not significantly affect the distance betweenthe user's hips and ankles, and the machine 500 is configured andarranged to establish a desired relationship between movement of thefoot platform 530 and change in the distance between the user's hips andankles.

[0060] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is designated as600 in FIGS. 18-19. The apparatus 600 includes a frame 610 having a base611 configured to rest upon a floor surface. A first, rearward stanchion612 extends upward from the base 611, and a forward end of a rail 670 ispivotally connected to an upper portion thereof. A second, forwardstanchion 613 extends upward from the base 611, and a foot platform 630is mounted on an upper portion thereof. As on certain other embodiments,provisions may be made for adjusting the location and/or the orientationof the foot platform 630 relative to the frame 610.

[0061] A car or skate 627 is rollably mounted on the rail 670 in amanner known in the art, and a body support 620 is rigidly mounted onthe car 627. As on the other embodiments, the body support 620preferably includes both a seat 621 and a back rest 622 that extendapproximately perpendicular to one another, and left and right handles621 that project outward from opposite sides of the seat 621. An offsetarm 675 extends perpendicularly away and downward from the rail 670, anda connector plate 651 has a first portion that is pivotally connected toa distal end of the offset arm 675. A rocker link 650 is pivotallyinterconnected between the base 611 and a second portion of theconnector plate 651, and a connector link 652 is pivotallyinterconnected between the car 627 and a third portion of the connectorplate 651. As a result, movement of the body support 620 along the rail670 is linked to rotation of the rail 670 relative to the stanchion 612.More specifically, as the body support 620 travels rearward along therail 670, the rail 670 (and the body support 620) pivots upward andforward relative to the frame 610. This embodiment 600 is configured andarranged in such a manner that the body support 520 both rotates andtranslates to accommodate change in the distance between the user's hipsand ankles.

[0062] For purposes of providing resistance to rearward movement of thebody support 620, a cable 689 has a first end connected to the car 627and/or the body support 620, an intermediate portion routed aboutpulleys 690 on the frame 610, and an opposite, second end connected to aselectively variable amount of weight 688 in a weight stack thatoperates in a manner known in the art.

[0063] Still another embodiment of the present invention is designatedas 700 in FIGS. 20-21. The apparatus 700 includes a frame 710 having abase 711 configured to rest upon a floor surface, a rearward stanchion712 that extends upward from the base 611, and a forward stanchion 713that extends upward from the base 611. A generally L-shaped link 750 hasan intermediate, curved portion that is pivotally connected to an upperend of the rearward stanchion 712 at pivot axis Q.

[0064] A first distal portion of the L-shaped link 750 extends generallyupward from the pivot axis Q, and terminates at a distal end that ispivotally connected to a forward end of a bracket 723. An opposite,rearward end of the bracket 723 is rigidly connected to a centralportion of a back rest 722. A lower end of the back rest 722 ispreferably connected to a seat 721, and handlebars 729 preferablyproject outward from opposite sides of the seat 721. The back rest 722and the seat 721 are collectively designated as a body support 720, withthe understanding that the back rest 722 alone would function as asuitable body support on the machine 700 (and/or any of the otherembodiments described above).

[0065] A second distal portion of the L-shaped link 750 extendsgenerally forward from the pivot axis Q, and terminates at a distal endthat is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of a connectorlink 753. A foot platform 730 is mounted on an intermediate section ofthis portion of the L-shaped link 750. As on certain other embodiments,provisions may be made for adjusting the location and/or the orientationof the foot platform 730. In this case, a sleeve or tube 733 is rigidlyconnected to a lower end of the foot platform 730, and slidably mountedon the intermediate section of the L-shaped link 750. A fastener 734 isinserted through an opening in the sleeve 733 and any of several holes735 in the L-shaped link 750 to selectively lock the sleeve 733 (and thefoot platform 730) in a desired position along the L-shaped link 750.

[0066] A drawbar link 752 is pivotally interconnected between a lowerdistal end of the connector link 753 and a lower end of the body support720 (proximate the juncture between the back rest 722 and the seat 721).Also, a rocker link 754 is pivotally interconnected between an upperdistal end of the connector link 753 and an upper distal end of theforward stanchion 713. As a result, the foot platform 730 and the bodysupport 720 are constrained to rotate in opposite directions. Thecomponents are configured and arranged to establish a desiredrelationship between change in the distance between the user's hips andankles, and movement of the body support 720, and movement of the footplatform 730. As on the other embodiments, various known resistancemeans may be used for resisting increased separation between the user'ships and ankles.

[0067] Compared to the prior art leg press machine shown in FIGS. 8-9,the various embodiments of the present invention similarly place auser's legs in compression and thereby provide a closed chain exercise.However, the present invention also maintains a user's upper legsperpendicular to his torso throughout the range of exercise motion,thereby isolating his quadriceps muscles (and/or incapacitating hisgluteal muscles). This immobilization of the user's upper legs, whichdoes not occur on the leg press machine shown in FIGS. 8-9, iscomparable to what occurs on the prior art leg extension machine shownin FIGS. 6-7. In other words, the present invention targets the samemuscles or provides the same exercise stroke as a leg extension machine,but operates in closed chain fashion (like a leg press machine).

[0068] The present invention has been described with reference tospecific embodiments and particular methods of exercise associatedtherewith, and this disclosure will enable persons skilled in the art toderive additional embodiments and/or variations which nonethelessincorporate the essence of the present invention. Among other things,various features shown on and/or described with reference to aparticular embodiment may often be applied to other embodiments, aswell. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that some of thedepicted linkage arrangements are preferably implemented withcorresponding right and left side assemblies in order to betterdistribute forces associated with operation of the machine, but thepresent invention is not limited in this regard. Recognizing that thepresent invention may be implemented in various ways, the scope of thepresent invention is to be limited only to the extent of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame; abody supporting linkage, including (a) a first body supporting surface,(b) a second body supporting surface, and (c) a third body supportingsurface disposed between the first body supporting surface and thesecond body supporting surface, wherein the linkage is movably mountedon the frame for movement between a first extreme position, wherein thefirst body supporting surface and the second body supporting surfacedefine respective planes that extend generally perpendicular to oneanother, and an opposite, second extreme position, wherein therespective planes extend substantially parallel to one another; and aresistance device interconnected between the linkage and the frame in amanner that resists movement of the linkage from one said position tothe other said position.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first body supporting surface and the second body supporting surfaceare constrained to pivot in opposite directions relative to the frame.3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body supportinglinkage further includes handles constrained to move together with thefirst body supporting surface.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3,wherein the first body supporting surface is configured and arranged tosupport a person's head.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe third body supporting surface is configured and arranged to occupy afixed position relative to a person during movement of the linkagebetween each said position.
 6. An exercise apparatus, comprising: aframe; a foot support mounted on the frame; a body support havingdiscrete body engaging surfaces movably mounted on the frame formovement between a first extreme position, wherein a person is supportedin a generally upright seated position facing toward the foot supportwith the person's feet resting on the foot support, and an opposite,second extreme position, wherein the person is supported in a generallysupine position with the person's feet resting on the foot support. 7.The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein one of the surfaces isconfigured and arranged to support a person's head, and said one of thesurfaces extends generally parallel to the foot support in the firstextreme position, and generally perpendicular to the foot support in thesecond extreme position.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, whereinanother of the surfaces is disposed between said one of the surfaces andthe foot support, and is configured and arranged to occupy a fixedposition relative to a person's body during movement of the body supportbetween each said position.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 7,further comprising handles constrained to move together with said one ofthe surfaces.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the footsupport is adjustably mounted on the frame to selectively change adistance defined between the foot support and the body support.